Accelerated Second Degree BSN FAQ's

How long is the Accelerated Second Degree Program?
Georgetown’s program is full-time and
16-months long.

Is there a part-time option?
At this time, there is not a part-time option.

Is the GRE required?
The GRE is optional for the Accelerated SDBSN Program. It is not a requirement because this program is technically at the baccalaureate level; however, applicants may choose to submit GRE scores as a supplement to their application.

Is the TOEFL required?
Yes, the TOEFL is required for all applicants whose native language is not English.

TOEFL: A minimum score of 600 (paper-based test) or 250 (computer-based tests) or 100 (iBT test) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required. TOEFL information: http://www.ets.org/toefl/

Test scores must be received by the application deadline date. Applicants should allow six to eight weeks from the test date for the reporting of scores to the institution. Applications will not be considered without TOEFL scores. Photocopied and/or faxed documents may not be used to fulfill this requirement.

The English Language Proficiency requirement will not be waived under any circumstances.

What is the difference between the Accelerated Second Degree BSN Program and the Direct Entry program?
The Accelerated Second Degree BSN program is 16 months long and awards a Bachelor’s Degree. The Direct Entry program is an option that allows students to apply to the Accelerated Second Degree BSN program and one of our six graduate nursing programs at the same time. The Direct Entry program still requires a student to complete the 16 month Accelerated Second Degree BSN program, but then allows them to directly enter into Master’s work after taking the NCLEX licensing exam.

	Accelerated Second Degree BSN	Direct Entry
Competitive GPA?	3.0	3.2
GRE Required?	No	Yes
Second Degree App Req.?	Yes	Yes
Online Graduate App Req.?	No	Yes
Number of Recommendations?	2 (1 academic, 1 professional)	3 (1 academic, 1 professional, 1 your choice)

How long will it take me to complete the Direct Entry Program?
That depends. You will complete the 16-month Accelerated Second Degree BSN program and then enter your graduate program. Our graduate programs vary in length from 12-27 months depending on the program.

After I begin the Accelerated Second Degree BSN program, can I later apply to a graduate program?
Absolutely! Many students know they want to get an advanced degree, but do not know exactly in what. This is fine. After going through your clinical rotations of the Nursing program, you will then begin to find your niche and determine what truly interests you. After experiencing some clinicals and getting a feel for what you like, then you can apply to a graduate program. This does not put you at any disadvantage compared to a Direct Entry applicant who just happens to know what graduate program they want ahead of time.

How much is the tuition for the Accelerated Second Degree BSN Program? What about for the Direct Entry Program?
Please see the Office of Student Financial Services website for the current rates. http://finaid.georgetown.edu

Is Financial Aid available?
Yes, a limited amount of financial aid is available. All Georgetown scholarships are need-based and are capped at $5,000 per semester. This is calculated using the FAFSA and CSS Profile. Please submit both of these forms to the Office of Student Financial Services by March 1st (Fall entry) or September 1st (Spring Entry). The Office will work with you to determine if you qualify for various loans, grants, and work-study.

Is campus housing available to Accelerated Second Degree BSN students?
No, campus housing is not available to Second Degree students. Please visit our Office of Off-Campus Housing for current listings of nearby apartments/houses. Their website is http://och.georgetown.edu. You may also view this brochure which contains helpful neighborhood information.

How many students are accepted each year? How many apply?
This depends. We usually receive more applications in February for Fall Entry. This year we had the highest number of applications ever. Our acceptance rate is approximately 50%.

How can I learn more about the International Health Certificate and find out if I am eligible?
See the International Health Program page for more information. More courses beyond the prerequisites may be required prior to enrollment to be eligible. For more information, please contact the admissions representative.

Questions Specifically related to Accelerated Second Degree BSN Prerequisites:

How can I find out if I have completed all the prerequisites?
The NHS Admissions and Outreach staff would be happy to perform a transcript evaluation for you. Please complete the online Prospective Student Inquiry Form, press submit, print a copy and fax it along along with all college level transcripts to (202) 687-3703. Please allow 5-7 days for your evaluation to be processed. Then call (202) 687-3203 or e-mail Laura Adams at lm336@georgetown.edu to follow up or to schedule a meeting. Unofficial transcripts are OK for preliminary review purposes only.

I received my first bachelor’s degree in another country. Will these courses transfer?
Possibly, but first they must be evaluated by World Education Service (http://www.wes.org). This organization will convert your transcript to American credit units and American semester grades. An official WES report as well an official copy of your original transcript must be sent with your application.

Will Developmental Psychology meet the Abnormal Psychology requirement?
No, Developmental Psychology may possibly transfer for Human Growth and Development (a course in the program curriculum, not a prerequisite) but will not substitute for Abnormal Psychology. Abnormal Psychology classes that are not titled “Abnormal Psychology” must closely match our course description. When you fax or email your transcript, please include course descriptions of any classes that you think may count for a prerequisite but are not obvious by the course department or title.

Can I apply without having completed all of my prerequisite work?
Yes, you may apply if you have not completed all of your prerequisite work. However, all prerequisite courses must be completed prior to enrolling in the program if you are accepted. There is no room to take prerequisites during the program.

Where can I take prerequisite courses?
You may take prerequisite courses at any U. S. Department of Education accredited college or university. Students in the DC area commonly take classes at Montgomery College (MD) and Northern Virginia Community College and matriculate well into our program. If you have a question about whether a prerequisite will count, please email nhsadmissions@georgetown.edu with the course title and description. The Admissions Office will gladly “pre-approve” prerequisite courses.

Can I take prerequisite courses online?
Yes, online prerequisite courses taken through U. S. Department of Education accredited institutions of higher education are acceptable. Just remember that science prerequisites must be 4 credits with a lob. (Many online science prerequisite courses include a "virtual" 1 credit lab, which is fine.)

Please note: Excelsior, CLEP and the USDA Graduate School are NOT acceptable for prerequisites.

Is there a time limit on when I took my prerequisites? Will my chemistry class from 20 years ago count towards my prerequisite work?
There is not a time limit on prerequisite work. However, please remember the intent of the prerequisites is to prepare you for the courses of the Nursing program. For example, if you had Physiology 15 years ago and have not been using it in everyday work since then, it would be in your best interest to take a refresher course. This is because Pathophysiology and Pharmacology both build directly off of what you learned and retained from Anatomy and Physiology classes. You will be responsible for information and objectives expected to be achieved from prerequisite courses.

Why are there so many prerequisite classes for Georgetown’s Accelerated Second Degree BSN program?
There are two reasons for this: 1) You will be receiving a Bachelor’s degree in 16 months and taking 62 credits. Therefore, there simply is not enough time to take all necessary courses during the program. 2) All students who graduate from Georgetown are required to complete courses in English, Philosophy, Ethics, and Theology. Theology is required because Georgetown is a Catholic and Jesuit institution. However, any course taken within a Theology or Religion Department will likely transfer (meaning you can take a class on Islam, Judaism, Christianity, Buddhism, etc).

If I complete all of the prerequisite courses as well as some additional courses that will transfer, does that mean I will have a lighter course load some semesters?
Not completely. In order to graduate from Georgetown, you must take more than 50% of your credits at Georgetown, which works out to 62 credits for Nursing. Therefore, if you enter with more credits in addition to your prerequisite classes, they will be accepted (upon approval of Academic Affairs), and you will have elective space in your schedule, which will allow you to take any Georgetown course (Business, History, Spanish, etc.).

Questions Specifically Related to Recommendations

I am graduating from college this year and will not be able to get a recommendation from an employer. Can I get a second Academic Recommendation instead?
Yes, in the case that you are are recent graduate or are unable to get a recommendation from an Employer/Supervisor because they do not know of your plans to leave, then please submit an extra academic recommendation or a recommendation from a volunteer or service director.

More information

If you have any other questions related to the Accelerated Second Degree BSN or Direct Entry Program, please visit the Admissions and Program Director Contact Page